DTI provides shared service facilities for MSMEs in La Union

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has provided two shared service facilities (SSF) to support two small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in La Union.

In a statement, the DTI said it provided sewing machines, edger and embroidery machines worth P251,000 to Kasay Sanktwaryo in Canaoay, San Fernando to expand the group’s alternative livelihood of making bags.

The main livelihood of the group’s members is fishing.

“The Kasay Sanktwaryo members are now ensured of income even during fishing off-season because of the bag making equipment provided for their common use,” the DTI said.

Aside from the Kasay Sanktwaryo, the Pacpaco Tiger Grass Association, Inc. which groups individuals making brooms, were also provided machines and equipment by the DTI.

The SSF program is being implemented by the DTI to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those in the countryside, to help them in their production of goods and allow them to compete with other businesses.

DTI Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said earlier the department is planning to spend a total of P700 million for the SSF program this year.

The program involves providing processing equipment housed in facilities of private sector partners.

The facilities and equipment are made available for the common use of several MSME groups or cooperatives.

The DTI wants to help MSMEs as they contribute to job generation and economic growth.

According to the DTI, more than 90 percent of the registered businesses in the country are MSMEs.